The Napa Valley is home to some of the world’s best wines, excellent vineyards, exceptional restaurants and breathtaking views. It is located in the County of Napa in California, USA and is one of the top wine destinations in the world. The Valley is also renowned for producing cult wines (wines that are of high quality & fetch huge prices).

The Napa Valley is known as Napa Valley AVA(American Viticulture Area). It is bestowed with Mediterranean climate, conducive soil and perfect geography leading to production of finest quality wine grapes. The region has over 400 different wine brands, making most densely concentrated wine producing regions.

The first commercial vineyard was found in the year 1858 by John Patchett while Charles Krug established the first commercial winery. Till the end of 19th century around 150 wineries were established in the region, some of which still exist today. But in spite of facing several serious blows in the 20th century like outbreak of vine disease phylloxera, Prohibition and the Great Depression, the Napa Valley bounced back to become one of the best wine producing region in the world.

There are eight AVAs in Napa Valley namely Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, city of Napa, Lake Berryessa and American Canyon. Various types of wine grapes are grown in these AVAs. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular grape often called as ‘King’ of Napa Valley. Others varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet France, Merlot, Zinfandel etc. are also popular.

Some of the famous wineries in these AVAs include Chateau Montelena, Mayacamas Vineyards, Screaming Eagle Winery and Vineyards, Beringer Vineyards, St. Clement Vineyards, V. Sattui Winery, Schramsberg Vineyards, Domaine Chandon, Rubicon Estates etc.

The Napa Valley is also a popular tourist destination with around 4.5 million people visiting the region every year. The Valley has also received the Trip Advisor's 2010 Travelers' Choice Awards for "The World's Best Wine and Food Destination". Tourists can enjoy the vineyard tours with wine tasting excursions and enjoy the numerous luxury resorts, spas and restaurants. The famous Napa Valley Wine Train is also a favorite among the tourists.